Brooke Kaltz, '05

Majored in Economics and Management, French

Originally from Clarkston, Mich.

Now living in Nanuet, N.Y.

Current employer: Mercedes-Benz USA, Montvale, N.J.

Title: Non-Production Material Network Management Americas

What is your role and/or responsibilities?
I manage strategic projects for the International Procurement Services department in the Americas and provide daily support to Executive Management in the U.S. and in Germany.

What was most valuable about your Gerstacker experience?
From a career perspective, the most valuable Gerstacker experience that I had was doing my two internships. These internships allowed me to realize what I did and didn't want to do for a career. Also, the internship gave me great talking points and examples for when I did need to interview for my first job.

How did you feel about career outlook upon graduating from Albion? How did Gerstacker prepare you?
I was lucky since I was graduating in December, so I wasn't competing with all of the May graduates. Gerstacker prepared me for my interviews by creating a portfolio of my college experiences. The best part of the portfolio was it allowed me to direct the interview and made me unique when compared to other candidates. I had multiple interviewers tell me that the portfolio was something that they remembered.

What did you enjoy most during your time as a student in the Gerstacker Institute?
Summer school was a lot of fun, but also a lot of work. One thing, that at the time I thought was boring, was when we had a CFP come in and speak about retirement planning and the importance of saving. I now realize that the advice that he gave our class was priceless.

Do you have any advice for prospective students interested in business and management?
Networking is one of the most important skills you can have in business. You never know when you might need a job or advice. Also, be flexible early in your career. The more diverse skills you develop, the more valuable of an employee you will become.